What is the Tribal Affairs Ministry's new policy framework for India's tiger reserves?

The Tribal Affairs Ministry has released a new policy framework that outlines procedures for relocating forest-dwelling communities from tiger reserves, emphasizing voluntary relocation, settlement of rights under the Forest Rights Act, and inclusion of communities in conservation efforts.

How does the Tribal Affairs Ministry's policy framework aim to protect the rights of forest-dwelling communities in tiger reserves?

The framework states that the government has an affirmative constitutional duty to safeguard the rights of forest-dwelling communities under the Forest Rights Act, and may not curtail these rights except upon demonstrable ecological necessity. It also provides mechanisms for these communities to continue residing within tiger reserves and be involved in conservation.

What are the key features of the Tribal Affairs Ministry's policy framework for India's tiger reserves?

The framework calls for a National Framework for Community-Centred Conservation and Relocation, a National Database on Conservation-Community Interface, and annual independent audits of relocation projects to ensure compliance with relevant laws and human rights standards.

Home / Environment / Tribal Affairs Ministry Unveils Framework to Protect Forest Dwellers in Tiger Reserves

Tribal Affairs Ministry Unveils Framework to Protect Forest Dwellers in Tiger Reserves

9 Nov

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Summary

New policy framework outlines procedures for relocating forest-dwelling communities from tiger reserves
Calls for voluntary relocation, rights settlement under Forest Rights Act, and community involvement in conservation
Seeks to develop collaborative approach between Environment and Tribal Affairs Ministries

Tribal Affairs Ministry Unveils Framework to Protect Forest Dwellers in Tiger Reserves

In October 2025, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs released a new policy framework titled "Reconciling Conservation and Community Rights: A Policy Framework for Relocation and Co-existence in India's Tiger Reserves." The framework aims to address concerns over the implementation of existing laws governing the relocation of forest-dwelling communities from tiger reserves.

The policy brief reiterates that relocation should be considered a last resort and that the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and others must be settled under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) before any relocation takes place. It also provides mechanisms for these communities to continue residing within tiger reserves and be included in the conservation and management of the biodiversity.

The framework calls for a National Framework for Community-Centred Conservation and Relocation, through which the Environment Ministry and Tribal Affairs Ministry can jointly set procedural standards, timelines, and accountability. It also suggests a National Database on Conservation-Community Interface to track relocations, compensation, and post-relocation status.

The policy document stresses that forest-dwelling communities residing within tiger reserves must have the option to exercise their rights under the FRA to continue living in their traditional forest habitats. It states that the government has an affirmative constitutional duty to safeguard these rights and may not curtail them except upon demonstrable ecological necessity.

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